Looking forward to music in 2013

Singer-songwriter Kishi Bashi's "Bright Whites" was a breakout song in 2012 thanks to a Microsoft ad.

Singer-songwriter Kishi Bashi's "Bright Whites" was a breakout song in 2012 thanks to a Microsoft ad.

Photo: Jennifer Leigh

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Singer Pink will bring her big show to the Toyota Center on Feb. 21.

Singer Pink will bring her big show to the Toyota Center on Feb. 21.

Photo: PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREW MACPHERSON

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Image of guitarist Bill Frisell Photo credit: Jimmy Katz

Image of guitarist Bill Frisell Photo credit: Jimmy Katz

Photo: Jimmy Katz

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Guitarist Bill Frisell photo: JIMMY KATZ

Guitarist Bill Frisell photo: JIMMY KATZ

Photo: Jimmy Katz

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music band the Punch Brothers

music band the Punch Brothers

Photo: Danny Clinch

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music group the Punch Brothers

music group the Punch Brothers

Photo: Danny Clinch

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Photo credit: Hedi Slimane
Lady Gaga has been hailed as a pop visionary by fans -- and has been criticized by others for her standard take on dance music.

Photo credit: Hedi Slimane
Lady Gaga has been hailed as a pop visionary by fans -- and has been criticized by others for her standard take on dance music.

Photo: Hedi Slimane

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US top entertainer Lady Gaga (C) performs on stage during the charity concert MTV Video Music Aid Japan at Chiba City in suburban Tokyo on June 25, 2011. Japanese and foreign singers, including Lady Gaga, performed at the charity concert in support of the victims of the March 11 tsunami and earthquake disaster. AFP PHOTO / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA (Photo credit should read TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images)

US top entertainer Lady Gaga (C) performs on stage during the charity concert MTV Video Music Aid Japan at Chiba City in suburban Tokyo on June 25, 2011. Japanese and foreign singers, including Lady Gaga,

CONTACT FILED: DIANA ROSS 6/28/00--Diana Ross performed with the new Supremes. HOUCHRON CAPTION (06/30/2000): In the Supremes' show Wednesday, Diana Ross had the moves, the beauty and, especially, the voice of a woman much younger.

CONTACT FILED: DIANA ROSS 6/28/00--Diana Ross performed with the new Supremes. HOUCHRON CAPTION (06/30/2000): In the Supremes' show Wednesday, Diana Ross had the moves, the beauty and, especially, the voice

Bebel Gilberto (real name Isabel Gilberto de Oliveira on May 12, 1966 in New York City) is an Brazilian American popular singer often associated with bossa nova.

Bebel Gilberto (real name Isabel Gilberto de Oliveira on May 12, 1966 in New York City) is an Brazilian American popular singer often associated with bossa nova.

Photo: The Windish Agency

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Bebel Gilberto

Bebel Gilberto

Photo: The Windish Agency

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singer-songwriter Mike Doughty Credit: 60 Cycle Media

singer-songwriter Mike Doughty Credit: 60 Cycle Media

Photo: handout

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singer-songwriter Mike Doughty Credit: 60 Cycle Media

singer-songwriter Mike Doughty Credit: 60 Cycle Media

Photo: handout

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Mark Oliver Everett of rock band Eels

Mark Oliver Everett of rock band Eels

Photo: Rocky Schenck

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Eric Clapton straps on his guitar at the start of his performance with Steve Winwood in concert at the Toyota Center, Wednesday, June 24, 2009, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle )

Eric Clapton straps on his guitar at the start of his performance with Steve Winwood in concert at the Toyota Center, Wednesday, June 24, 2009, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle )

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Staff

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They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants

Photo: Shervin Lainez

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Merle Haggard records duets with Toby Keith; coaxes legendary producer Jimmy Bowen out of retirement as Haggard nears reunion signing with Capitol Records. Merle Haggard was in the studio over the weekend recording two duets with Toby Keith, one of which will appear on a forthcoming record to be released sometime in 2005 and produced by Jimmy Bowen. This will mark Haggard's first new material for Capitol Records in over 25 years. (PRNewsFoto)

Maroon 5, fronted by Adam Levine, center, releases its third studio album Hands All Over Sept. 21. It was produced by Robert "Mutt" Lange. PHOTO CREDIT: Press Here Publicity

Maroon 5, fronted by Adam Levine, center, releases its third studio album Hands All Over Sept. 21. It was produced by Robert "Mutt" Lange. PHOTO CREDIT: Press Here Publicity

Photo: handout

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image of rock band The Deftones credit: 13th Witness

image of rock band The Deftones credit: 13th Witness

Photo: DirectToArchive

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Lila Downs (born in september 19 of 1968) is a Mexican-American singer-songwriter. She performs her own compositions as well as tapping into Mexican traditional and popular music. She also incorporates indigenous Mexican influences and has recorded songs in indigenous languages such as Mixtec, Zapotec, Maya, Nahuatl and Purepecha

Lila Downs (born in september 19 of 1968) is a Mexican-American singer-songwriter. She performs her own compositions as well as tapping into Mexican traditional and popular music. She also incorporates

From left: One Directions's Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan perform during the band's sold out show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sunday June 24,2012. (Dave Rossman/For the Chronicle)

From left: One Directions's Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan perform during the band's sold out show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sunday June 24,2012. (Dave

Three days into the new year and the live-music slate already looks strong. And, as is often the case when we do our music preview for the upcoming year, about a dozen big shows likely will be announced in the next few days. So consider the information here a skeleton for the spring, with muscle and flesh to be added in the coming weeks. Still, it's already a genre-diverse lineup, and that doesn't even include the Free Press Summer Fest, which likely will announce its lineup in early March, and the Houston International Festival, which may be a few weeks earlier. Dates are subject to change.

1/26: Lost Bayou Ramblers: Cajun music is in good and able hands for decades to come thanks to this band from Pilette, La. Continental Club, 3700 Main; 713-529-9899

Eliot Fisk and Bill Frisell

1/29: Punch Brothers: Houston didn't get a Nickel Creek farewell show. So this is the time and place to see mandolin whiz and MacArthur genius grant fellow Chris Thile dazzle with his new ensemble. Fitzgerald's

1/31: Lady Gaga: Not sure what needs to be said about this one. She's a savvy performer and personality (not necessarily in that order) and thus very popular. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk; 866-446-8849

February

2/1: North Mississippi All Stars: Band with great heritage makes blues and roots with some jammy tendencies. The hook here is the chance to see these guys in such a cozy room. Last Concert Cafe, 1403 Nance; 713-226-8563

2/2: Andre Williams and Barbara Lynn

2/3: The Residents: The ultimate experimental cult band has managed to maintain its mystique since it was first introduced nearly 40 years ago. Fitzgerald's

2/4: Toro y Moi: Chaz Bundick diligently composes brilliant pop without making a big fuss about it. The "chillwave" tag does him a disservice. Fitzgerald's

2/6: Diana Ross

2/7: J.D. Souther: He's put out some fine solo recordings, but the songs he wrote for the Eagles pay the bills. Dosey Doe

2/8: Christian McBride: Perhaps the most in-demand jazz bassist has recorded frequently as a leader over the past 20 years, as well as backing such luminaries as Sonny Rollins, Dave Brubeck and McCoy Tyner. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas; 713-524-5050

Pepe Aguilar

2/9: The xx

NRBQ: "The World's Greatest Bar Band" finds its way from music halls to a place that more resembles a bar. Last Concert Cafe

2/13: Fun.

2/15: Suzanne Vega: She was folk when new wave was cool, and alternative when alternative was mainstream. Her masterpiece "99.9 F" just turned 20. Dosey Doe.

The Chieftains: Irish folk band is celebrating a half century of music. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana; 713-224-7575

Tift Merritt: Americana singer-songwriter has a great new record in "Traveling Alone." McGonigel's Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk; 713-528-5999

2/21: Pink: See Top 15 sidebar

Dave Mason: The Traffic guitarist's solo output has a few monster recordings, but his résumé is bigger than that. He helped soundtrack the '70s. Dosey Doe

Ra Ra Riot: They make fetching indie po-po-pop and are due to release a new record this year. Fitzgerald's

2/22: Ricardo Arjona: The versatile Guatemalan star can serve up just about any style of music from the Rio Grande on south. Toyota Center

2/23: Bebel Gilberto

2/25: Tame Impala

2/28: Dropkick Murphys: Thick punchy Irish punk. House of Blues.

March

3/2: Coheed and Cambria: Metal for people who like long-winded fantastical tales. And metal. Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas; 713-230-1600

Mike Doughty: See Top 15 sidebar

Turisas: Sledgehammer Scandinavian metal. Warehouse Live

3/8: Kishi Bashi

Eels

3/10: Alt-J: A triangle is a tough sell for a band, so Britain's Alt-J took its name from the keyboard combo to create the "delta" sign. Not surprisingly, the band's debut, "An Awesome Wave," fell on the brainier side of alternative rock. Fitzgerald's

3/12: Muse: If they stagger new albums with Coldplay just right, the world shall never want for arena-ready British rock. Toyota Center

3/16: Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside with Thao and Get Down Stay Down: Ford is a North Carolinian based in Portland with a band that makes a rock/jazz/folk/R&B mix; Thao Nguyen makes rootsy indie folk. It should be an elegant and understated evening. Fitzgerald's

Eric Clapton: This time through it's just Slowhand and not the guy who sang "Higher Love." Toyota Center

Bernie Worrell Orchestra: Legendary keyboardist was a member of both Parliament and Funkadelic and has played with Talking Heads, Keith Richards and many, many others. Last Concert Cafe

3/19: They Might Be Giants: Purveyors of polysyllabic pop have had such a successful time making family music that they don't often get to play for their older nerd fans. Fortunately, they have a new album on the way titled "Nanobots." House of Blues

Maroon 5: That their new album is called "Overexposed" suggests a self-awareness that otherwise seems absent from Adam Levine's gleaming beady eyes. He's found a formula to bring dance pop to the masses. Toyota Center

3/21: Merle Haggard: The old gray Hag ain't what he used to be. But even with a missing chunk of lung he still belts out the sad country fare better than anybody. Stafford Centre

Deftones: California band was burdened by bad timing, which shackled them to so many awful nu metal bands. The new "Koi No Yokan" has a more atmospheric sound that suggests these guys were far better than their peers. Bayou Music Center

4/7: Rod Picott: Picott's "Welding Burns" is as lean and mean as any Americana album of recent memory. His old tour mate Amanda Shires had a breakout year, so this time he's out with singer-songwriter Amy Speace. McGonigel's Mucky Duck

4/9: Sigur Ros

4/15: Rihanna

4/19: Eric Harland's Voyager: Outstanding drummer has played with jazz greats such as Charles Lloyd and Dave Holland. He returns home to Houston leading his own ensemble. Wortham Theater Center

4/20: Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks: Legendary roots-music eccentric is as good a musical host as any on 4/20 maybe with the exception of Devin the Dude. Dosey Doe

4/23: Carrie Underwood: One of two enduring music stars produced by "American Idol." She released "Blown Away" last year, a title that could've referenced the last remaining elements of country music in her sound. Toyota Center

4/27: Robbie Fulks: The smart-alecky country music of his youth still sounds spirited, but it's hardly representative of Fulks' gifts as a poignant and razor-sharp songwriter. McGonigel's Mucky Duck

4/28: Black Crowes: On again/off again Robinson siblings are on again making classic-sounding Southern soul and rock. House of Blues

1. Jeff Mangum: An elusive cult hero, Mangum headed for the hills shortly after his Neutral Milk Hotel made "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," a psych-folk masterpiece that has influenced nearly 15 years of subsequent music. Until he's on stage, there'll be anxiety that he calls off this very rare tour. Jan. 21 at the Wortham Theater Center, 520 Texas; www.stubwire.com

2. Roscoe Mitchell: Mitchell is one of the giants of the Chicago experimental jazz scene from the '70s, both as a leader and with the Art Ensemble of Chicago. He's classified as outsider jazz, but the blues drips from his sax. This show will be a rare opportunity to see a master at work. Late March, date TBA, at El Dorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin; www.namelesssound.org.

3. The Eels: The Eels' E broke a four-year quiet spell in 2009 with "Hombre Lobo." Clearly his muse has been howling because the brand new "Wonderful, Glorious" is his fourth record in as many years. March 8 at Warehouse Live, 813 St. Emanuel; 713-225-5483

4. Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble: Glass was recently here for a solo piano performance. He and his Ensemble will perform his original score to Tod Browning's "Dracula." May 10 at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana; 713-224-7575.

5. Tame Impala: Last year's "Lonerism" was a standout album of smart, hookie indie rock with just the right balance of psychedelic atmosphere and power-pop punch. The band hails from Australia, so this won't be one of those alterna acts that passes through every few months. Feb. 25 at Fitzgerald's, 2706 White Oak; 713-862-3838.

6. Sigur Ros: Fifteen years in, I still find this Icelandic band's music chilly and beautiful. There's also a great dynamic quality and diversity to it that doesn't always get credited. The shows are like a romanticized idea of space travel: the floating part more than the lousy food part. April 9 at Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas; 713-230-1600.

7. B.B. King: At 87, he's not quite as spry a player or singer as he once was. But his mastery of the blues remains an American treasure. Jan. 11 at House of Blues, 1204 Caroline; 888-402–5837.

8. Terry Allen: West Texas artist/playwright and musician does so many things that he doesn't get around to new albums all that often. This show is a rare treat. Jan. 13 at McGonigel's Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk; 713-528-5999.

9. Bebel Gilberto: The daughter of João Gilberto and Miúcha has been singing since the '80s, but she perfected her own sound in Brazilian pop about 12 years ago. Feb. 23 at Arena Theater, 7326 Southwest Freeway; 713-772-5900.

10. Los Lobos: The band from East L.A. can tear it up, but for this show it will be in quieter mode with an acoustic set. Jan. 20 at the Dosey Doe, 25911 I-45 North, The Woodlands; 281-367-3774.

11. Kishi Bashi: If this violin phenom and Of Montreal collaborator's "Bright Whites" doesn't move you, then pour your soul into the trough and let the hogs have at it. March 8 at Fitzgerald's, 2706 White Oak; 713-862-3838.

12. Eliot Fisk and Bill Frisell: They have different backgrounds - Fisk in classical, Frisell in jazz - but both tend to be uneasy playing to tradition. Even with Clapton coming, this likely will be the great guitar event of the year. Jan. 26 at Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas; 713-524-5050.

13. The xx: Credit this English buzz band with choosing nuance over making a grab for the mainstream. Its 2012 album, "Coexist," was a masterwork of whispered lushness. Feb. 9 at House of Blues.

15. Mike Doughty: He made only three albums with the beloved experimental rock band Soul Coughing, but with those Doughty built a dedicated following. He's been far more prolific and made music far more diverse on his own. March 2 at McGonigel's Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk; 713-528-5999.

Joey's top 15 shows for 2013 announced so far

1. Ed Sheeran: The English singer-songwriter's "+" was one of the year's best albums, and single "The A Team" has enjoyed a slow stateside build. He'll likely pack out BMC, as the show was already moved here from the House of Blues. Expect lots of pensive tunes and screaming girls, as he's written hits for Taylor Swift and One Direction. Jan. 17 at Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas; 713-230-1600 or livenation.com.

2. Taylor Swift with Ed Sheeran: The biggest crossover star in the world always packs a fizzy, energetic punch onstage. Sheeran returns to open the show and likely duet on "Everything Has Changed." May 16 at Toyota Center, 150 Polk; 866-446-8849 or houston toyotacenter.com.

3. Pink: Extravagant sets, aerial stunts and that unmistakable rebel yell - it could only be a Pink show. She's equally adept at every aspect of live entertainment. Feb. 21 at Toyota Center.

4. fun.: The fun. guys seem like they should have been one-hit wonders. But their parade of anthemic hits continues into the new year. Every song likely will incite a singalong. Feb. 13 at Bayou Music Center.

5. Yo Gabba Gabba: Even hipsters without kids have an affinity for this children's show, which boasts colorful characters, catchy songs and appearances from Solange Knowles, the Killers, the Aquabats, Devo, Of Montreal, Chromeo, My Chemical Romance, Weezer, Hot Hot Heat, the Roots, Mates of State, MGMT, Jack Black and the Ting Tings. March 14 at Bayou Music Center.

6. Diana Ross: The hair. The gowns. The fabulousness of it all. The supreme diva always puts on a good show. Feb. 6 at the Arena Theater, 7326 Southwest Freeway; 713-772-5900 or arenahouston.com.

7. Lucinda Williams: Williams was born in Louisiana but spent time in Houston, so this show is a homecoming of sorts. Jan. 19 at Crighton Theatre, 234 Main, Conroe; 936-441-7469 or crightontheatre.org.

8. George Strait: The King returns to RodeoHouston after a six-year absence in this special add-on show. Openers are Martina McBride and the Randy Rogers Band. March 17 at Reliant Stadium, One Reliant Park; 832-667-1000 or rodeohouston.com.

9. Romeo Santos: Speaking of royalty, Santos is known as the king of bachata music. He's also been known to incite serious cases of female swooning. April 6 at Toyota Center.

10. Rihanna: There's no denying Rihanna's impressive arsenal of pop hits. It's a canon few current female acts can match. If only she'd permanently drop that abusive ex whose name we don't care to mention anymore. April 15 at Toyota Center.

11. Fleetwood Mac: Christine McVie is still out. But Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood are in. The rage that fueled early albums has dissipated, but the hits remain solid. June 5 at Toyota Center.

12. One Direction: Everybody scream! The world's biggest boy band (for now) has energy to spare onstage. They also don't rely on flashy sets or backup dancers. Just five dapper guys in suspenders and button-downs. July 21 at Toyota Center.

13. Keith Urban: By this time, Urban's stint as an "American Idol" judge alongside Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj will be done. Place your bets now on future R&B and rap collaborations. Or not. Either way, his breezy country hits are surprisingly forceful in a live setting. Aug. 16 at The Woodlands Pavilion, 2006 Lake Robbins Drive; 281-364-3024 or keithurban.com.

14. Nelly's Echo: Nelson Emokpae says "Nelly" refers to the musician/music, and "Echo" refers to the audience's appreciation of the music. Whatever. He'll likely draw a big crowd thanks to appearing on "The Voice." Jan. 23 at the University of Houston.

Free Press Summer Fest: The two-day festival keeps growing at an incredible clip (nearly 90,000 people last year) while maintaining an affordable ticket given the talent involved. No acts confirmed for the fifth annual event just yet. Last year, the bulk of the lineup was announced on March 3, so it won't be too long. June 1-2 at Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Houston International Festival: There's a world of music to be found in Brazil, which is this year's spotlight country. So expect great food and sounds from the likes of pop/samba star Diogo Nogueira, Forró in the Dark, Forró for All and, of particular interest, the dynamic SambaDá. Little of the main stage lineup has been revealed so far, though reggae survivors the Wailers will perform. Obviously there's no Bob Marley, but Aston "Family Man" Barrett - who provided the fluid and funky basslines on all of Marley's great recordings - holds down the band's bottom end. Also, Colorado's jam-friendly roots-rock band Leftover Salmon. April 21-22, 28-29 in downtown Houston.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Expect the usual mix of genres. So far Toby Keith, Demi Lovato, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Austin Mahone have been announced, as well as a special show by the soon-to-be-retiring-from-the-road George Strait. Feb. 25- March 17 at Reliant Stadium.

H-Town Blues Fest: No performers announced yet for this annual blues and soul show, but Bobby "Blue" Bland is a regular at it. April 6 at Reliant Arena.

Houston Beer Fest: There will be music by hellbilly vets Reverend Horton Heat and the fast-rising live dynamo Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights. Presumably there will also be beer. And festivities. June 8 at Hermann Park.

The music industry typically takes a few days to warm up in a new year, but quite a few albums have already been set to release dates starting this month. Titles and release dates are always subject to change. To wit, Akon's "Stadium" was given a Sept. 11 release date back in May, but it remains unreleased so far. In addition to the following titles, there likely will be new recordings from acts including the Black Keys, Pearl Jam, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix, Wavves, Mariah Carey, Taio Cruz and possibly Dr. Dre's long-awaited "Detox."

Of local and regional interest: Solange probably will put out a full-album follow-up to her tantalizing EP, which was released late last year. Her sister Beyoncé also has a new record in the works. Austin-based Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison have made a bunch of albums, but never a full-fledged collaboration, which they'll finally do with "Cheater's Game." And expect a deluxe version of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Texas Flood" to celebrate that album's 30th anniversary.

Jan. 8

"LongLive A$AP," A$AP Rocky

"Signed and Sealed in Blood," Dropkick Murphys

"Sing to the People," Vusi Mahlasela

Jan. 15

"Lovesign," Free Energy

"Manifestra," Erin McKeown

"Lysandre," Christopher Owens

"Fade," Yo La Tengo

Jan. 22

"Set You Free," Gary Allan

"Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter," Adam Ant